Why Construction Site Visits Matter: What New Research Reveals About Real Learning for Civil Engineering Students
Introduction
Civil engineering is a profession built on concrete, steel, soil, and—most importantly—experience. While classrooms teach the theory, it is the construction site that shows students how projects truly come alive. A new 2024 study conducted at one of the largest public universities in the Gulf region provides one of the most detailed analyses to date on what students learn during construction site visits, what obstacles they face, and how universities can make these visits more effective. The research surveyed 53 civil engineering students during the Fall and Spring semesters of 2022–2023, using statistical analysis to measure real gains and challenges. The insights offer a rare, data-backed look into how future engineers understand projects, workers, and the realities of construction.
In simple terms: the study proves that site visits do far more than show buildings; they build engineers.
- What the Study Was About
The researchers aimed to understand how construction site visits affect civil engineering students’ learning. They designed a structured questionnaire covering students’ demographics, details about the project visited, the benefits they gained, the barriers they faced, and what improvements they recommended. The study included both male and female students, as well as students with and without previous site-visit experience. Data was analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests such as the Wilcoxon test, Binomial sign test, and Mann-Whitney U test, ensuring reliable insights.
Quick Summary:
- The study took place at Kuwait University.
- Sample size was 53 students.
- Data was collected in Fall 2022–2023 and Spring 2022–2023.
- Students visited real under-construction projects and submitted detailed reports.
- Researchers compared results across gender and prior experience.
- Who Participated and What Projects They Visited
The demographic analysis shows clear patterns in who joined and what type of projects were most accessible. According to the results:
- 75.47 percent of all participants were female.
- 92.45 percent were fourth-year students.
- 60.38 percent had visited a construction site before.
Projects visited came from a range of categories, but public projects dominated at 68 percent, including educational buildings, housing, infrastructure, commercial, and entertainment projects. Project budgets also varied, with 45.28 percent of site visits taking place at projects valued above 20 million Kuwaiti Dinars.
Quick Summary:
- Majority of respondents were senior-level students.
- Most projects were public and large-scale.
- Students formed their own groups and arranged their own visits.
- What Students Actually Learned (Backed by Percentages)
The study identified nine predefined learning gains, and many of these were selected by more than half of all students. The most important findings were:
- 70 percent said the visit helped them understand how theoretical knowledge fits real-world construction practices.
- 66 percent said the visit encouraged them to pursue a civil engineering career.
- Students also learned new terminology, safety procedures, equipment use, and how engineering problems are solved on site.
This confirms what professors often claim: site visits turn abstract concepts from books into working knowledge.
Quick Summary:
- Understanding theory-to-practice link was the top gain.
- Career motivation increased significantly.
- Safety, equipment, and problem-solving knowledge improved.
- Barriers That Made Site Visits Difficult
Even though students found the visits valuable, the study uncovered several important obstacles:
- 40 percent said arranging the visit required too much preparation.
- 38 percent said visits consumed too much time.
- 26 percent struggled because a suitable site was not always available.
- 21 percent said projects were too far from the university.
- Some students encountered unwelcoming personnel or unfamiliar technical language.
These barriers show that without proper institutional support, even beneficial learning experiences can become stressful or inefficient.
Quick Summary:
- Logistics and coordination were the biggest problems.
- Distance and time were major constraints.
- Students lacked industry contacts, creating difficulties in getting permissions.
- What Students Want Universities to Improve
Students made several recommendations to ensure smoother, more meaningful visits:
- 58 percent wanted the university to organize site visits directly.
- Some suggested being accompanied by faculty.
- A few recommended regular, scheduled visits every year.
- Others proposed limiting the projects to a small curated list, making access easier.
These recommendations show that students want structured support rather than leaving everything to them.
Quick Summary:
- University facilitation is essential.
- Faculty involvement improves experience.
- Scheduled visits reduce stress and increase consistency.
- Do Male and Female Students Benefit Differently?
One of the study’s hypotheses was that female students would be more positive about site visits. Surprisingly, the data proved the opposite. The male group recorded:
- A higher average number of gains (4.615 vs. 3.9)
- A higher general evaluation score (4.69 vs. 4.025)
Researchers interpret this by noting that male students often gain additional site experience during summer jobs, making them more comfortable with real construction environments.
Quick Summary:
- Male students showed stronger positive response.
- Prior experience influences comfort and confidence.
- Do First-Time Visitors Learn More Than Experienced Students?
This hypothesis was correct. The study found that:
- Students with no previous site visit recorded more average gains (4.125) than those who had visited before (3.969).
This demonstrates that the first site visit has the strongest educational impact.
Quick Summary:
- First-time visitors benefit the most.
- Repeat visits deepen knowledge but add fewer new insights.
- Why Real Site Visits Still Matter in the Age of VR
The research included a large literature review, comparing real visits to virtual reality simulations, 360-degree tours, and interactive mobile platforms. While VR increases engagement, reduces anxiety, and helps during pandemics, multiple studies referenced in the paper show that virtual visits cannot replace real construction field experience.
Quick Summary:
- VR is helpful but not a substitute.
- Real sites offer irreplaceable exposure to noise, scale, safety, equipment, and real challenges.
- What the Final Results Mean for Civil Engineering Education
The study concludes that site visits are one of the most powerful tools for civil engineering learning. They help students:
- Understand real project workflow
- Learn safety culture
- Interact with professionals
- Improve terminology
- Strengthen problem-solving
- Increase motivation to join the profession
Importantly, 52 out of 53 students said the visit was helpful and cannot be replaced by homework or assignments.
Quick Summary:
- Site visits are essential, not optional.
- Students overwhelmingly support them.
References
These insights come directly from the uploaded research paper:
Soliman, E.; Alrasheed, K.; Zayed, T.; Abdelkader, E.M. (2024). Construction Sites Visits for Civil Engineering Students: Gains, Barriers, and Suggestions. Current Trends in Civil & Structural Engineering, 11(2).
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